Phonoland

Hello! I am a newbie and was hoping to find some help on this forum. I have searched to see if an answer is already posted, but alas I have not found one.

My husband inherited a Magnavox Astro-Sonic 3ST640A stereo from his parents. Our main issue right now is trying to find the "AUX" inputs inside the cabinet. We are not having much luck.

We do not have the manual, and it is rather difficult to see the connectors directly below the area where the knob is for "AUX" (is that called the "chassis?"). I was wondering if anyone has this or a similar model and can point us to the "AUX" inputs so we can connect my phone as an MP3 player.

Just as some background info, we have tried to get a local TV/Radio repairman to look at the unit and perhaps give it some much-needed love, but he has said that he does not have the time for it. Also, I have looked, but I am having a hard time finding any information on this particular model, although I have seen a bit on the Astro-Sonic series. Does anyone know what year this model was made?

Thank you in advance for any help, it's MUCH appreciated!

Jennifer

If a set of RCA jacks is not located on the back of the cabinet, try looking for them on the chassis.

Jennifer, it's just like MattTech said. On some models you will see Aux in/out connections on the back (tape or Aux record/play). Those are simply connections extended from the chassis itself and attached to that back panel. Otherwise, open up the back and plug your external device directly into the radio chassis. There may even be an extra AC outlet on the chassis, too.

One particular chassis that I have has phono inputs (2), tape record/play input.output (4), and an extra pair for Aux inputs, should you want to use an extra external source, like a CD player/MP3, whatever device. Those eight RCA jacks are in the center of the pic.

If you can't see it on the back, then it is definitely inside. These mid/late 60's consoles were also optionally fitted with reel-to-reel tape recorders, cassette and 8-track players, so the extra jacks are there.

It's none of my business and don't know how old you folks are, but what was your husband doing all the time that his parents had this Magnavox? Was he a kid growing up while they had it, and totally ignored it/had no interest in it until now? --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Re. the Astro-Sonic mid 60s, the AUX RCA Connectors are on the chassis right next to the RCA connectors for the phono, inside the cabinet. You'll need some nice long cables, (and you might feel like you have stood on your head to find them) but the protocol is standard "consumer" line. Modern electronics should work fine. Nice stereo isn't it? It's a really simple circuit - just a switch. Any problems short of a broken switch should be repairable with a little rubbing alcohol - power off of course. The stuff burns! Good luck and good listening.